Planting by the moon is nothing new. Ancient tradition
claims that planting times should correspond to certain phases of the Moon.
This belief has been passed for generations. There are many firm believers
who will not plant anything unless a favorable moon or sign is indicated.

Just as the moon's gravitational pull influences
the ocean's tide, it is theorized that it also influences the movement
of fluids contained in plants. Moon gardening is based on this belief.

Planting by the signs is an astrological system
of agriculture and gardening. This rural lore was once widespread. Each
day of the month is said to be ruled by one of the twelve signs of the
zodiac. Each sign appears at least once a month for a period of two or
three days. To each of the twelve signs there corresponds a part of the
human body. The signs always appear in sequence, beginning with Aries (the
Head) and continuing through Pisces (the Feet). Then the cycle begins again.
The signs are described as fruitful or barren, moist, watery, dry, earthy,
fiery, hot, or airy.

Planting is always done in one of the fruitful
signs. There are fourteen fruitful days in a month. The best signs for
planting are the water or earth signs of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, or Taurus,
Planting should not be done in one of the barren signs; they are only good
for trimming, killing, and destroying. No planting should be done on Sunday,
as this is a barren, hot day (the Sun's day). Never transplant in the Heart
or the Head; it is said that this will cause the plants to die.

The signs are as follows:

• Aries - is good for plowing, tilling, or cultivating.
Though a barren sign, it can be used for planting onions or garlic.

• Taurus - associated with the neck, this is a
earthy sign and is especially favorable for root crops.

• Gemini - a barren sign, good for cultivating
and weeding, the cutting of grass and pinching buds.

• Cancer - is a watery sign. It is said to be
the most fruitful sign. It is excellent for all planting and transplanting.
Seeds sown under Cancer will germinate quickly, growth
well and yields will be abundant.

• Leo - tied to the Heart. This sign does not
favor planting or transplanting. It is good for weeding.

• Virgo - a barren sign, good for cultivating
and weeding.

• Libra - is a strong, fruitful sign. Flowers
should be planted in Libra. This sign is also thought to be favorable for
planting crops that bear above ground.

• Scorpio - ranks next to Cancer in fruitfulness.
Favorable for planting crops that bear above the ground, root crops, and
fruit trees.

• Sagittarius - a barren, fiery sign, although
said to be good for planting onions.

• Capricorn - a moist, productive sign. Tied to
the knees it is favorable for planting root crops.

• Pisces - a watery, fruitful sign, good for planting
all crops, especially fruits and bulbs.

The phase of the moon is also consulted in conjunction
with the dominant sign. All things which yield above ground should be planted
during the waxing moon, and all things which yield below ground (root crops)
in the waning moon. Planting should not be done on the first day of the
new moon, or on a day when the moon changes quarters.

Plant seeds or transplants of leafy plants, and
plants that carry their seeds on the outside of the fruit (i.e. strawberries
and corn) when the Moon is between the new and first quarter. When the
Moon is between the first quarter and full, sow or transplant plants that
produce seeds inside their fruit. Plant bulbs and root crops between Full
Moon and last quarter. Do not plant anythingbetween last quarter and New Moon.

For example, it is said to be best to turn sod,
kill trees, and destroy weeds in the fourth quarter of the moon in the
barren signs of Gemini, Leo, or Virgo. The week before the New Moon is
a good time to pull weeds.

Harvesting most crops is best done in the old
of the moon; this will cause them to keep better and longer. Pick fruits
picked during a waning moon will cause any bruises to dry up rather than
rot. Fruit, grain, and vegetables should not be gathered in the watery
signs or the new of the moon as they will decay and sprout. It is
best to gather root crops in the last quarter of the moon when the signs
are in the Knees or the Feet.

While none of this has been conclusively proven
or disproved by modern science; many folks claim success using these methods.
Should you wish to try planting by moon and astrological signs, most farmer's
almanacs include planting calendars which display lunar phases as well
as the signs on the days in which they appear in a given month. Good
luck and good gardening.

Gene McAvoy is the horticulture agent with
the Hendry County Extension Service. Direct your horticulture
questions to PO Box 68, LaBelle, FL 33975, e-mail - gmcavoy@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu
or phone 863-674-4092 or 863-983-1598. You are also welcome
to visit the Hendry County Extension Office at 225 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle.
Office hours are from 8:00 - 5:00.

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